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Wisconsin - Other Endorsements

1000 Friends of Wisconsin, June 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Terry Mulcahy]

I am writing to express our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and the Department of Transportation's efforts to develop high-speed passenger rail service for Wisconsin and Midwest citizens. The upper Midwest lacks an efficient, fast mode of transportation providing city center to city center connections. Regional passenger rail is a cost-effective, convenient, time-saving alternative mode of transportation which is more efficient, less polluting and has more desirable secondary land use impacts.

Passenger rail has many environmental benefits. The proposed Midwest Regional Rail System would divert car trips from congested highways. Modern rail equipment has lower air pollutant emissions than the auto fleet. High-speed rail is a key part of a land preservation strategy of transportation alternatives and more compact, pedestrian-friendly land use plans and practices. Focusing land use efficiently along rail corridors counters current sprawl trends and makes central city and other key urban locations more attractive to employers. In downtown areas, stations present local economic development opportunities, increasing downtown property values and encouraging redevelopment instead of sprawl.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, it represents a sound investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. Therefore, we support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

As you know, CBE has been working with Department planners to improve secondary land use impact analysis, and strategies for incorporating Smart Growth practices in modal plans. We are glad to be working with the Department, and look forward to continued efforts to increase investments in passenger rail under your able leadership.

Please list our organization among the many others throughout Wisconsin who support the necessary investments of state and federal funds to implement Midwest Rail.

--Dave Cieslewicz, Director, Madison

Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions, March 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

On behalf of the Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions, I would like to express our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the high speed passenger rail network.

With the strong Midwest economy placing ever-increasing demands on our highways, it is important that we consider the merits of high speed passenger rail transportation.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an exciting new travel alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. In addition, the downtown connections offered by passenger rail will enhance development opportunities in our urban areas.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, represents a sound public investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. We support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list our organization among the many others throughout Wisconsin who recognize the great potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Chet Gerlach, Executive Director, Madison

Wisconsin State Legislative Board, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, March 12, 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

The Wisconsin State Legislative Board of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, would like your office to know, our members support the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative. Our State's participation in the 3000-mile high-speed passenger rail network is imperative to reducing demands on our overcrowded highways and airports.

Initiatives provided for in this plan would keep the Midwest in front of the curve, in the utilization of resources and safety. The initial cost will be repaid many times over in savings to future generations of Midwesterners.

This organization supports efforts to secure funding to make the capital improvements necessary to make this Initiative a reality. This plan is an idea whose time has come.

Please list our organization as one among many that support this important economic and cost effective way to reduce highway, and airport congestion, and improve the quality of life in the Midwest.

--Keith C. Luebke, Chairman, Wisconsin Rapids

Competitive Wisconsin, Inc., June 6, 2000

[from letter to legislators]

Competitive Wisconsin recently had a meeting regarding the great possibilities for technology related economic development on the Milwaukee/Madison axis. GE (and its Marquette Medical Division), Ameritech, WEPCO, the Milwaukee County Research Park and others have located on the axis, in part, to have access to the resources which are unique to the I-94 corridor. Building on the state's technology resources at our Universities and transferring that technology into commercial application will help stem the drain of our best trained minds to success in other states.

Another concern of Competitive Wisconsin is the very low ranking we have for returning federal dollars to our state.

An opportunity exists for improvement in both the brain drain and the federal shortchange.

Funding the Madison-Milwaukee portion of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative will spur the type of economic development that will bring Wisconsin Better Jobs. I understand you are fully aware of the State's interest in securing $60 million of federal funds for design, infrastructure improvements and train equipment acquisition to implement high-speed passenger rail service between Madison and Milwaukee. Competitive Wisconsin endorses this effort and encourages your support...

--Thomas R. Hefty, President, Milwaukee

Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, April 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

I am writing to express the support of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce for the concept of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000 mile high speed passenger rail network from Chicago throughout the Midwest.

With the strong Midwest economy placing ever increasing demands on our highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an exciting new travel alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. The downtown connections offered by passenger rail will enhance development opportunities in our urban areas.

We believe it is important to know the financial impact of the Midwest Rail project and how the system will be funded before we can give complete support for this project, but we feel it is worthwhile to explore these possibilities.

--Duanne G. Swift, President, Green Bay

Hartford Area Development Corporation / Innovation Center of Hartford, March 9, 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

I am writing to provide our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000-mile high speed passenger rail network radiating from Chicago throughout the Midwest.

With the strong Midwest economy placing ever-increasing demands on our highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers and exciting new travel alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. The downtown connections offered by passenger rail will enhance development opportunities in our urban areas.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, represents a sound public investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment.  Therefore, I support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list our organization among the many others throughout Wisconsin who recognize the great potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Werner X. Wolpert, Executive Director, Hartford

Mayor's Office, La Crosse, March 2, 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

I am writing to provide our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000-mile high speed passenger rail network radiating from Chicago throughout the Midwest. The La Crosse City Council is already on record endorsing this endeavor. It would be a great benefit to La Crosse, to Wisconsin and the entire Midwest.

With the strong Midwest economy placing ever-increasing demands on our highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an enjoyable alternative to reach major urban centers, to avoid traffic congestion and, of course, parking challenges. The connections offered by passenger rail will also enhance developing opportunities in our central city areas.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable. It represents a sound public investment that offers a new transportation option with minimal or even positive impacts on the environment. Therefore, I support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list the City of La Crosse among the many other communities throughout Wisconsin that recognize the historical significance and the potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Mayor John D. Medinger, La Crosse

Mayor's Office, Madison, March 2, 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

I am writing to provide our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000 mile high speed passenger rail network radiating from Chicago throughout the Midwest. The Madison City Council endorsed this concept a year ago and I have enclosed a copy of that resolution.

With the strong Midwest economy placing ever-increasing demands on our highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an exciting alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. The downtown connections offered by passenger rail will also enhance developing opportunities in our urban areas.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, represents a sound public investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. Therefore, I support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list our community among the many other communities throughout Wisconsin who recognize the potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Mayor Susan J. M. Bauman, Madison

Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors' Bureau, March 8, 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

I am writing to enthusiastically support the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000-mile high speed passenger rail network radiating from Chicago throughout the Midwest.

The GMCVB recognizes that a strong Midwest economy is placing ever-increasing demands on our highways and airports. It is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an exciting new travel alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. This is particularly true in the Milwaukee Metropolitan area. The downtown connections offered by passenger rail will also enhance developing opportunities in our great city.

The Midwest Rail analysis shows that the system will be economically viable, will represent a sound public investment, and will offer a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. Therefore, I support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list our organization among the many others throughout Wisconsin who recognize the potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--William A. Hanbury, President/Chief Executive Officer, Milwaukee

Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce, June 7, 2000

[from letter to Randy Wade of DOT]

Thank you for your presentation on the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative. The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has decided to endorse the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative. We fell that it will offer citizens throughout Wisconsin better access to educational institutions, cultural centers, recreational opportunities and state government offices.

The strong Midwest economy is placing tremendous demands on highways and airports, some of which are reaching their capacity to move people and goods; and high-speed inter-city rail offers travelers a relaxing alternative to driving congested.

Midwest Rail will also offer regional travelers additional mobility through modern high-speed trains, increased trip frequencies, customer-friendly amenities and downtown-to-downtown connections to community centers.

Therefore, the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce calls upon the state of Wisconsin to provide leadership, financial support and professional expertise to turn the concept of high-speed inter-city passenger rail service into reality.

--Kurt E. Schrang, President, Oconomowoc

Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau, March 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

I am writing to provide our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000-mile high speed passenger rail network radiating from Chicago throughout the Midwest.

With the strong Midwest economy placing ever-increasing demands on our highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an exciting new travel alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. The downtown connections offered by passenger rail will also enhance developing opportunities in our urban areas.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, represents a sound public investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. Therefore, I support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list our organization among the many others throughout Wisconsin who recognize the potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Frances A. Weaver, Executive Director, Oshkosh

Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, June 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Terry Mulcahy]

On behalf of the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, I am writing to provide our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000-mile high speed passenger rail network radiating from Chicago throughout the Midwest.

With the strong Midwest economy placing ever-increasing demands on our highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an exciting new travel alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. The downtown connections offered by passenger rail will also enhance developing opportunities in our urban areas.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, represents a sound public investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. Therefore, I support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list our organization among the many others throughout Wisconsin who recognize the potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--John A. Casper, Executive Vice President, Oshkosh

John Muir Chapter, Sierra Club, April 20, 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Terry Mulcahy]

The John Muir Chapter represents the 10,000 Wisconsin members of the Sierra Club. Our members place a high priority on investments in balanced multi-modal transportation and livable communities.

The Sierra Club supports the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and the Department of Transportation's efforts to develop high speed passenger rail service for Wisconsin and Midwest citizens. The upper Midwest lacks an efficient, fast mode of transportation providing city center to city center connections. Regional passenger rail is a cost-effective, convenient, time-saving alternative mode of transportation. Regional passenger rail is more efficient, less polluting and has more desirable secondary land use impacts than air travel or personal vehicle.

Passenger rail has many environmental benefits. The proposed Midwest Regional Rail system would divert car trips from congested highways. Modern rail equipment has lower air pollutant emissions than the auto fleet. High speed rail is a key part of a land preservation strategy of transportation alternatives and more compact, pedestrian-friendly land use plans and practices. Focusing land use efficiently along rail corridors counters current sprawl trends and makes central city and other key urban locations more attractive to employers. In downtown areas, stations present local economic development opportunities, increasing downtown property values and encouraging redevelopment instead of sprawl.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, represents a sound public investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. Therefore, we support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

We applaud your efforts to increase investments in passenger rail, and encourage the Department to continue to work to provide a truly multi-modal transportation system for Wisconsin.

Please list our organization among the many others throughout Wisconsin who recognize the potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Caryl Terrell, Legislative Coordinator, Madison

Village of Sturtevant, March 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

I am writing to provide our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000-mile high speed rail network radiating from Chicago throughout the Midwest.

With the Strong Midwest economy placing ever-increasing demands on our highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an exciting new travel alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. The downtown connections offered by passenger rail will enhance development opportunities in our urban areas.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, represents a sound public investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. Therefore, I support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list our community among the many others throughout Wisconsin who recognize the potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Carolyn A. Milkie, Village President, Sturtevant

Greater Tomah Area Chamber of Commerce, April 10, 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

On behalf of the Greater Tomah Area Chamber of Commerce, I am writing to provide our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative.

Due to the increasing demands on Wisconsin's highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network. Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers a new travel alternative to reach major urban centers, while avoiding traffic congestion and parking challenges.

According to Midwest Rail reports, the system represents a sound public investment and offers a transportation option with minimal impact on our natural environment. As a community along the proposed system, the Tomah Chamber of Commerce supports your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire equipment to operate the system.

Please add the Tomah Chamber of Commerce among the many others throughout Wisconsin that recognize the great potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Eric J. Prise, Executive Director, Tomah

City of Tomah, March 2, 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

I am writing to provide our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000-mile high speed rail network radiating from Chicago throughout the Midwest.

With the strong Midwest economy placing ever-increasing demands on our highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an exciting new travel alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. The downtown connections offered by passenger rail will enhance development opportunities in our urban areas.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, represents a sound public investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. Therefore, I support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list our community among the many others throughout Wisconsin who recognize the potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Mayor Wayne P. Johnson, Tomah

City of Wisconsin Dells, April 19, 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

I am writing to provide our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000-mile high speed rail network radiating from Chicago throughout the Midwest.

With the strong Midwest economy placing ever-increasing demands on our highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an exciting new travel alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. The downtown connections offered by passenger rail will enhance development opportunities in our urban areas.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, represents a sound public investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. Therefore, I support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list our community among the many others throughout Wisconsin who recognize the potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Mayor Craig P. Casey, Wisconsin Dells

City of Fond du Lac, February 28, 2000

[from letter to DOT Secretary Charles Thompson]

I am writing to provide our support for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and Wisconsin's participation in the 3,000-mile high speed rail network radiating from Chicago throughout the Midwest.

With the strong Midwest economy placing ever-increasing demands on our highways and airports, it is essential that we strongly consider the many merits high speed passenger rail offers to complement our overall transportation network.

Utilizing existing rail corridors, Midwest Rail will provide business and leisure travelers an exciting new travel alternative to reach major urban centers and avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges. The downtown connections offered by passenger rail will enhance development opportunities in our urban areas.

The Midwest Rail analyses show that the system will be economically viable, represents a sound public investment, and offers a new transportation option with minimal impacts on the environment. Therefore, I support your efforts to secure adequate state and federal funding to make the necessary capital improvements and acquire train equipment to operate the system.

Please list our community among the many others throughout Wisconsin who recognize the potential Midwest Rail holds for the state's economy and overall quality of life.

--Mayor Craig P. Casey, Wisconsin Dells

National Association of Railroad Passengers, October 17, 1998

[from July 31, 2000, letter to Daniel Yeh, of Wisconsin DOT Office of Public Affairs]

This is to inform you that the Board of Directors of the National Association of Railroad Passengers approved a verbal resolution in support of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative at its meeting in San Diego, Cal., on October 17, 1998.

A presentation on the contents and scope of the Initiative was made to the Board of Directors by Mr. David Randall, a Director from Alton, Ill. His presentation was based on the Initiative draft executive report, which was released on August 31, 1998.

The resolution was offered by Mr. Ken Burbach, a Director from Madison, Wis.  It was duly seconded, debated, and approved on a voice vote, with no opposition. The resolution stated that the Board of Directors supported the corridor concepts in the Initiative draft executive report, and that the organization intended to participate in the production of the final document.

The National Association of Railroad Passengers still supports the Initiative and views it as a bold attempt to bring an attractive, corridor-type service to an important region of the nation that is in need of an alternative to congested and expensive airports and highways. Passage of the High Speed Rail Investment Act (S.1900 and H.R.3700) would provide a source of federal matching money and greatly aid in realizing the Initiative's goals. To that end, enactment of this important legislation has been a key goal of our organization this year.

 -- Scott Leonard,  Assistant Director, Washington, D.C.